Party Wall etc. Act 1996
The Party Wall Act Explained
A plain-English overview of the statutory framework governing certain shared-structure work, boundary construction and nearby excavation.
The Three Main Categories
Section 1
New walls built on or at the line of junction.
Section 2 / Section 3 Notice
Rights affecting party structures, notified using a Party Structure Notice.
Section 6
Excavation within the statutory 3-metre or 6-metre tests.
What the Act Does
The Act provides rights to carry out certain work while creating procedures intended to protect adjoining owners. It does not replace planning permission, Building Regulations approval, land ownership checks or structural design.
Important Questions
Is every shared wall a party wall?
No. The legal definition depends on ownership and how the wall or structure is positioned and used.
Is planning permission enough?
No. Planning and Party Wall procedures are separate.
What is an Award?
A document made by the appointed surveyor or surveyors regulating the notifiable work and related safeguards.
Need Party Wall Advice in the East Midlands?
Send us your plans or contact PWS East Midlands for clear, practical guidance before work begins.